A Time of Witches

By Mya Duong

In MINDFUL THINGS, Lauren embraces her true nature as she cultivates her growing powers. She continues to be hunted by loyalists to Raefield, a reminder that he’ll do anything to obtain the essence of her powers, even at the cost of her life.

Now, Lauren and Quinn must flee Chicago to protect her family and friends from Raefield’s accomplices. Lauren is determined to finally defeat the forces of evil in a timeless struggle for power. She travels to New Haven, Connecticut, with her family to reconnect with her past and to gain insight into her true identity. Helen conjures up a spell, sending Lauren to confront the secrets that has haunted her family for over a century. She is lured deeper into a world of magic, where visions of hope and prosperity weave within the darkness of Raefield’s world, where survival becomes a turn of fate. Armed with new knowledge, Lauren challenges Raefield and is left defeated.

Lauren receives mysterious gifts from her mother. As Raefield’s forces clashes with their lives, Lauren gathers her friends to decipher their meaning. They unravel connections to Lauren, but are thwarted when a power shift surges out of control. Will they be too late to stop the destruction of their world?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mya Duong
• Release date: Sep 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9780999334645

Mya Duong

Mya Duong grew up in Wisconsin, then moved to California. She has worked in healthcare for nearly 25 years, gaining invaluable life lessons. She writes in her free time, and currently lives in the San Diego area with her husband and two dogs.Visit her website at www.myaduong.com

Book preview

PROLOGUE

As I walked through the garden, a sweetness wrapped me in her warm and loving embrace. The sky smiled down upon me as the air trickled words into my ear with sounds I longed to know. But she couldn’t speak freely; her idyllic voice silenced. I didn’t care; I belonged here. I floated, and I remained free. I roamed as the lady of the garden.

Everything brimmed with life. Everything felt perfect and right. I moved closer to the home that summoned me. I reached out to her.

Here I am. The sound of my voice floated on the air.

A shadow confronted me, then disappeared. The sky frowned down at me. The wind snapped against my skin. I ran.

Wait for me, I cried.

She hissed and roiled, her words indistinguishable.

Tell me! I called out as I fell to the ground. My breath lapsed, and I grew tired. The garden transformed, no longer mine.

I reached for the light. His strength pulled me up. His gaze reflected warmth and kindness; his brightness showered me with hope. The stranger guided me home, but my home moved further and further away. She wore a different face. The stranger pulled me ahead, ignoring the anger brewing in the sky. We stopped.

Someone lurked in the shadows. He wore a mask. His anger erupted. He yanked at my arm. I pulled away, but he wouldn’t release me.

The wind stormed through my once beautiful garden. She shouted her warnings. She screamed her fears. I faced the darkness again, but found only sorrow. And pain. Reaching for the light, I looked at him with pleading eyes. All I found was emptiness. My eyes fixed on the horror in front of me.

The house was burning! My home was on fire! The flames shot out everywhere. I stood frozen as I watched. She collapsed to the ground.

Nooo!

Lauren! Lauren, wake up!

1

TIME ZONE

C’mon, Lauren. You’re going to miss your flight. It’ll be here when you get back, Raegan urged me. She watched me pack and unpack the same items. Even Oscar barked at me.

I know. I’m almost ready. Just a few more things to check over, and I’m off. I ran through the list in my head of the immediate necessities, making sure not to over pack. Extreme. I planned to avoid it at all cost.

Quinn is waiting for you downstairs. He seems preoccupied. The bag he’s carrying looks like a survivor’s kit, she remarked.

He’s just nervous about flying. I placed the special box in my backpack and secured the bracelet to my wrist. He likes to travel light. I’m sure his suitcase is in the car.

I still don’t know why you’re taking some of these things, instead of leaving them behind. She pointed to a first aid kit and a pair of running shoes. It’s not like you’ll be gone that long.

I just want to take it with me. I grabbed the final items—a raincoat and thermal underwear—things I wouldn’t wear in the hot month of August.

Lauren, why are you leaving behind your newer dresses and your swimsuit? Raegan dangled clothes in my face.

I won’t need them. We’ll be doing low keys things like hiking. Wear them if you want.

She shrugged. You don’t have to tell me twice.

I’d almost forgotten something important in the midst of all our planning and rushing around. I gave Raegan a long and suffocating hug. I missed her already.

Cut it out, Lauren. I can’t breathe, she gasped, pushing me away. Why the long goodbyes? I’ll see you in a week.

Sure. See you then.

I sprinted downstairs to find Quinn pacing, the keys in his hand. He appeared apprehensive, carrying his backpack filled with who-knows-what.

We should get out of here. I’ll have to move quickly in order to make good time. He rushed out the door before I could say anything. I climbed into the black Volkswagen, not even buckled up before he took off.

I glanced back, the house getting smaller and my friends’ place even more distant. Emptiness consumed me. The feeling lingered, stalling until it crept into my heart. My home.

We’re going to be okay, Quinn said, squeezing my hand.

I nodded. I know. I clung to my bag.

Highway fourteen should be clear, he mumbled, eyes steady on the road. The speedometer went from thirty-to-fifty. We hadn’t even reached the highway yet.

I triple checked my bag to ensure I’d packed all the necessary items. I touched the contents of my wallet. Do you think we have enough money?

We’ll be fine. I made several withdrawals before the trip, and we can stop at an ATM if we need more money. It should last us a while as long as we’re careful. Quinn glanced at me, but I refused to show any doubt. He turned back to the endless road. We have everything we need.

I guess you’re right. I’m surprised they still want to go to Connecticut, I said. My thoughts traveled to my original home.

It’s important to your parents.

I knew they wanted to go even if my memory never returned. They have people watching Mercedes and Nicholas. They’ve kept a low profile since the party incident.

Better to not draw attention until they make their next move. Leaving you alone after their plans fell apart is what I think they’re doing, Quinn said. I wish I knew their next plan.

"I’ll take leaving me alone any day. I just hope my parents will let us go."

Quinn didn’t say anything else. His eyes remained on the road. Silence fell over us for the rest of the trip.

O’Hare lurked in the distance. Quinn drove faster toward the maze-like airport. I held onto my seat as he weaved in and out of the traffic headed to the parking lot.

They should be inside. Let’s get our stuff, he said.

I jumped out of the car and grabbed my carryon and the medium-sized rolling suitcase. We managed the ticketing process without delay.

The gate number for New Haven stood out—C34. My parents, Chelsea, and Isaak looked up as we inched closer to the gate. Mom waved to us.

Just in time with moments to spare, I said.

We knew you’d be on time, Dad responded. He attempted to read my face, but I turned away.

I’ll take the window seat in the exit row since you don’t seem to care, Isaak said to Chelsea. I don’t know why Mom chose not to purchase extra leg room. Good thing this is a short flight. The layover in Philly should be enough time to stretch out and leave.

Chelsea pierced through Isaak’s happy-go-lucky nature. It’s to avoid making you the center of attention.

He ignored her. Having more leg room isn’t going to kill. In fact, I’d take a direct flight any day. The sooner we get to New Haven, the better.

Quinn nodded. I agree. The only time that I’ve ever been to Philadelphia was hectic. The right family wasn’t there. Quinn glanced at me.

It’s not so bad. It has its perks. But it can be tough like Chicago, Isaak replied.

He meant something else, Chelsea remarked.

"I know that. I was just commenting on how the two cities are alike. Is that okay with you?"

Chelsea sneered at him.

Isaak gave Chelsea a reproachful look. It would’ve been ideal if they’d purchased first class seats. That would keep us away from everyone.

Why would they do that, genius? Again, that would draw attention. Like you said, it’s not a long flight and having a stop shouldn’t put you over the edge, she remarked in a low voice. You’ll survive. Besides, I didn’t see you fork over the money for the luxury seats.

"It wasn’t my idea to go. I would’ve picked California or Hawaii for a family trip. At least we could have some real fun and not a working trip, Isaak retorted, his face inches from Chelsea’s. Don’t you think it’s rather morbid to continually go to Connecticut? Why don’t we just let the past stay in the past?"

Because the past keeps creeping up on us, and until we take care of the issues, it’s always going to be a part of us whether you like it or not, Chelsea replied.

I realize that, but for once can’t we let it slide and have a normal family vacation without being on guard? If they find us, they’ll find us.

Chelsea fumed. I’d never seen her get worked up over a flight and a trip to Connecticut. Like Dad, she responded calmly to any situation.

Don’t you care what happens to Lauren? she asked Isaak.

"Of course, I do. I can’t believe you’d ask me that. She’s just as much my sister as she is yours."

The way you’ve been complaining for the past few weeks about this trip, I’m surprised you even care. Lauren is under a lot of pressure. The expectations are too much for one person. She may appear strong and sure of herself, but she’s more fragile than she realizes, Chelsea lectured in a quiet voice.

I felt stunned. I couldn’t believe they’d fought about me. We weren’t in imminent danger, and I would never put my family in harm’s way. The burden shouldn’t be theirs. This only confirmed that what Quinn and I planned to do was right.

I stepped forward. You guys, I have things under control. Don’t do this.

Chelsea turned to me; her sympathetic blue eyes turned languid. I couldn’t read what they attempted to convey.

It shouldn’t be this way. You’ve already had too many close encounters. We’ll end this, Lauren. We’ll find a way. You won’t be alone. She reached for my hand.

My sister amazed me. I couldn’t ask them to sacrifice everything. I couldn’t be that selfish.

I turned resolute. This would end with me.

"So you see, Isaak, she needs us. She’s not that strong."

"What? Are you saying I’d abandon her? She knows I’d be there for her if trouble came around. This is more than she can handle. I understand the situation quite well, Chelsea. We act as a family as we’ve always done. Why do you suddenly doubt my commitment?" Isaak reeled.

Chelsea wouldn’t answer him.

Are you two done yet? Mom asked.

We will now begin the boarding process for New Haven, Connecticut, a voice over the speaker announced.

Here we go, Quinn encouraged in a light-hearted manner.

I looked over my shoulder to see Chelsea and Isaak facing in opposite directions, acting as if they were complete strangers. My parents followed quietly behind them.

We settled into our seats. Isaak slid next to Dad near the front of the plane. Mom and Chelsea sat in the exit rows, while Quinn and I continued to the back of the plane.

I’ve never seen them attack each other like that and mean it, especially on my account, I said to Quinn in a low voice.

They’ll get over it. Don’t concern yourself too much. They both probably needed to vent.

I sighed. You’re probably right. But I can’t help wonder what Chelsea knows that she’s keeping from us.

I was thinking the same thing, too.

What could possibly cause my collected sister to become so worked up that she lashed out at Isaak? She never badgered anyone. The observer. And my parents hadn’t questioned her behavior. I stared outside the window at the blue sky above the floating clouds as we reached maximum altitude. Fear permeated through the clouds.

My thoughts turned hazy, then empty. I jerked when Quinn elbowed me. Had it been a whole day? The captain’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker as we descended into Philadelphia.

He gave us a brief description of the city—the birthplace of the nation. We inched closer to a body of water, a refuge surfaced where wildlife could have the chance to feed and grow on protected land. A good and secure place. I suddenly felt like one of its inhabitants, who needed sanctuary to ensure optimal survival of otherworldly invaders threatening to overtake my habitat.

I shook off the disturbing comparison. Isaak turned to me from the front of the plane with a reassuring grin.

Chelsea and your mom are slowing down, Quinn said. We eased through the bustling crowd to the next gate.

I’m going to stretch my legs. Who wants to get food? Isaak asked.

We’ll go with Isaak and meet you at the gate, I told my parents. They left with Chelsea.

"Okay, what was that all about?" I drilled Isaak.

Don’t look at me. Obviously something is bothering her to the point that she’s pretty worked up. I wish she’d fill me in on her recent discovery so that I wouldn’t have to endure her heavy quips throughout this trip, Isaak complained. It’s not you.

"How can I not take it personally? It’s because of me she’s taking it out on you." We reached the sandwich shop. My energy to argue faded.

Let her sort it out. I’m sure she’ll tell you what’s bothering her if you ask. But honestly, Lauren, I’m not bothered by Chelsea’s attitude. This trip annoys me more. I’m still not sure what we’ll gain by going to Connecticut, Isaak said. He took a bite of his steak sandwich, mumbling in between chews. It’s no longer home.

Quinn and I looked at each other.

I drank some of the syrupy soda to get my thoughts off of Chelsea, but only reached another disturbing thought. Isaak’s eyes widened and a ‘what’ expression formed on his face.

Do you think we’re being followed? I mean, I realize Mom was being cautious when she planned to have us sit apart on the plane, but do you honestly think we might run into something unexpected?

Isaak gulped down his soda. All the encounters with Mercedes and Nicholas and the strangers who seem to know you? Yeah, we should expect anything to happen. Don’t you? I’d be surprised if we didn’t have at least one visitor. You can’t be crippled by the idea of a surprise visit.

Although I agreed with him, I felt uneasy. I wouldn’t run, and I refused to allow self-doubt to cloud my better judgment. My powers needed to be at their best. Don’t fail me now.

I’m pretty much expecting anything. For everyone’s sake, let’s hope it’s not everything all at once. I’m still learning how to overtake everyone.

You know Mom and Dad are keeping tabs on Mercedes and Nicholas. If they decide to come out here, we’ll at least have some notice, Isaak reminded us.

"Nothing brings me greater joy than having a head’s up when I’m being stalked," I mumbled.

Isaak rolled his eyes. I was definitely in the running for the role of the next sister who would most annoy him. "It doesn’t hurt. I know I would want forewarning. But if you’d rather we not tell you. . . ."

I raised my hand up to his face. I’d rather know.

Quinn jumped to his feet and threw the empty wrappings away. He looked preoccupied. Let’s head out.

We weaved through the crowded passageways again, avoiding eye contact even as Quinn and Isaak drew in a few glances. I ignored them. It wasn’t the random stares that tugged at me. Something else distracted me.

Quinn slowed down. Lauren, what is it?

I don’t know. Just a strange feeling, I muttered. I turned around to scan everyone nearby, but they all appeared to be rushing to their destinations. We slowed down again.

I’m not sensing anything. Are you? Isaak asked Quinn.

Nothing unusual.

What are you feeling, Lauren? Isaak asked.

Something is out of place . . . or someone. I carefully checked the surroundings in front of me and around me, but I found nothing unusual. I can’t pinpoint it.

The gate sign to New Haven loomed ahead. The rest of my family waited. Whatever had transpired, whatever feeling I’d had faded. Yet, omens felt real.

Discouragement swept over me. It’s gone. I can’t feel it anymore.

Quinn looked uneasy. I heard his silent words, but then his demeanor abruptly changed.

Isaak grabbed my wrist. Let’s go.

I turned around one last time to see people moving through the bustling airport. Isaak’s grip held firm. Time to leave The City of Brotherly Love.

2

NEW HAVEN

The short flight moved across my somnolent memory as I opened my eyes when the wheels touched down in New Haven. I never felt any rockiness from the commuter flight. Moisture clung to my body as we deplaned, and I was reminded of Chicago.

We reached the rental station. My parents requested separate vehicles, even suggesting a third one for Isaak and Chelsea. Isaak resisted.

We’ll meet you at the hotel, I said to them. They sped away in the dark SUV. I looked at my reliable and economic vehicle. Ordinary.

I can’t believe we’re back here, Quinn muttered as we drove along the Connecticut Turnpike to the George Street hotel in downtown New Haven.

The city resembled the same one from a year ago when I’d visited with my family. I never felt captivated or shared a melancholic familiarity that my parents or Quinn had experienced. I belonged to the indifferent group with Chelsea and Isaak. This time, we would only spend a week out here, thanks to Isaak’s negotiating skills.

Does it bother you? I mean, the last time you were here, you traveled to the present day looking for something you had lost, I asked Quinn.

No, that’s behind me. Just nostalgic for a different time. Besides, I found what went missing, Quinn said, squeezing my hand. This isn’t home any longer. Still, I can picture the old buildings and the horse-drawn carriages along the uneven roads. I can even hear the trains coming and going. We’d be approaching the Maxwell Inn anytime.

Definitely not 1898, I replied.

Absolutely 2012.

Downtown New Haven loomed within reach. I opened the window to allow the briny air and warm breeze to circulate inside the rental. The aroma differed from the crisp, fresh waters of Lake Michigan. Traffic slowed. Quinn glanced over his shoulder to where his family’s hotel once stood, grand and impressive. He reached for my hand with a gentle grasp, which raised my guilt to a higher level. I kept my mouth shut to avoid disturbing his silent reflection on a hotel that had once been his home. Although the city had never felt significant to me, experiencing this moment with Quinn for the first time stirred something dormant that I couldn’t explain.

I recognized some of the same shops and restaurants and saw new businesses that had opened up since the previous year.

"The